How sweetly the words of false prophets come;
how easy and wishful and black-
how simple it is to bury his words
and holiness behind my back.
For justice comes not in our poor attempts
nor righteous in our goodwill.
But justice comes from the slain Word of God,
and righteousness, by off'ring still.
Fear holiness, then, and wonder anew
at hist'ry and sacred decree
in, not the wondering, pandering heart,
but love, held on law's holy tree.
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Written on the dock at a friend's lake house in GA, after reading Jeremiah this morning. Specifically it relates to his interaction with Hananiah, pondering the way false teaching is so appealing and yet ignores the seriousness of the Lord's justice and holiness. I struggle greatly with teachings on homosexuality, exclusivity/inclusivity, and hell, but mainly because my heart desires something other than what scripture (old testament and new, Jesus and other writers) seems to indicate. An awful choice of allegiance is forced.
The most recent short article I've appreciated on the matter: http://homebrewedchristianity.com/2012/08/08/an-evangelical-support-for-same-sex-marriage/
ReplyDeleteThe Book of Jude. And the good news is we need not identify anyone according to a type of sin (homosexuality, etc) and condemn them accordingly. Jude speaks of "grumblers", "malcontents", and "loud-mouthed boasters", yet do we feel so burdened by THESE particular foibles of fatality? The truth is sin=death and Jesus is always the way out. Ours if the Ministry of Reconciliation, and we act as Christ's ambassadors. It is a humble yet glorious calling. We are saved by grace, so we have no reason to boast, nor judge, nor cast a stone. The natural man always seeks a crossless Christianity when trying to follow Jesus yet remained unchanged. The spiritual man knows the cross is the only way, but we can't thrust anybody upon it. We live as epistles, as new creations, speaking things that are foolishness to the world. That we're reconciled by God to God in God -- that we are sitting at the right hand of Jesus -- that we were crucified with Christ -- that Christ in us is the hope of glory -- that there are unsearchable reaches -- that these things are true is what pushes us forward and helps us love where others condemn; have mercy where others grind the boot; tell the truth where others flinch with flattery. Faith works through love. Blessings.
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